Amid the wars and injustices that currently overshadow the world, the Church and its clergy continue to urge the faithful to increase their prayer time. Some may wonder: Does prayer truly make a difference? Can it make an impact?
Prayer serves as a bridge connecting humanity to God and has been compared to Jacob's ladder that unites heaven and earth (Gen 28:12). It’s more than just words; it is a means to maintain a deep connection with God, engaging both one’s heart and mind. It embodies a profound trust in God's power to intervene and transform circumstances.
Prayer not only strengthens our faith but also reminds us of God's presence in our lives, acknowledging that He alone grants the grace needed to overcome evil and hardships. Indeed, we should not underestimate the power of prayer, as St. James emphasized in his epistle (James 5:16-18): “The fervent prayer of a righteous person is very powerful”. Prophet Elijah was a man with human weaknesses like ours, yet, because of his prayer it did not rain for three and a half years. Then he prayed again, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth bore fruit.
Christ also taught us that with faith as small as a mustard seed, nothing would be impossible (Mt 17:20). He turned to prayer during his darkest hour, at the Garden of Gethsemane, and asked the Father for strength to face the pain of the Cross.
In the Catechism of the Catholic Church, the source of evil is often discussed in relation to free will and the existence of sin. One key quote that addresses this is: "God is infinitely good and all his works are good. Yet, he allows for the existence of evil in the world, which arises from the misuse of human freedom and the rebellion against God’s will." (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 309). Additionally, the Catechism notes that evil is often influenced by spiritual forces, including the devil, who opposes God and seeks to lead humanity away from divine truth. Thus, spiritual weapons are essential in overcoming it. As the Apostle Paul states in his letter to the Ephesians: “Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes” (Ephesians 6:11). Prayer is a central part of this spiritual armor because our battle is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces in the heavenly realms (Ephesians 6:12).
In his speech on the "Year of Prayer," in preparation for the 2025 Jubilee of Hope, His Holiness Pope Francis highlighted the significance of humility and making room for prayer inspired by the Holy Spirit: “The Spirit guides us, placing the right words on our hearts and lips to lift our prayers to the Father”.
Alongside individual prayer, communal prayer is particularly powerful in combating evil. Jesus said: “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them” (Matthew 18:20). Praying together fosters spiritual unity among believers and fortifies them against difficulties. When believers unite in prayer, they seek God’s strength and grace as one body, enabling them to overcome evil and encourage one another.
The apparitions of the Virgin Mary at Fatima in 1917 also underscored the importance of prayer, especially the Rosary, as a way to shield humanity from evil and war. Our Lady invited us to repent and pray for peace. Countless biblical and historical accounts illustrate how prayer, repentance, and turning to God can curb evil and invoke divine mercy. As it is written in Scripture: “If then my people, upon whom my name has been pronounced, humble themselves and pray, and seek my face and turn from their evil ways, I will hear them from heaven and pardon their sins and heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14).
This highlights the crucial role that prayer and repentance play in eliciting God’s response to humanity’s pleas during challenging times, showing that through prayer, we invite God’s mercy, guidance, and intervention into the difficult situations of our world.
Let us come together in prayer, fasting, and penance on October 7th, answering the call of His Beatitude Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, and may we continue to carry this longing for God’s righteousness throughout all the days of our life.
